john in sacramento posted this poignant poem over at Oxdown Gazette -- truly a fitting reminder of what this weekend represents.
The Final Inspection
The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I aint.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I've never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep ...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept manly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If You've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was silence all around the throne,
Where the saints often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've born your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heavens streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
follow the link to food for thought conversation, too. Me, I'm taking a little time out to remember the dads, Clarence, USMC, and Lyle, USN.
And if you can find it, this would be a good weekend to watch Taking Chance Home. Kevin Bacon's iconic portrayal of the soldier who brought the fallen soldier home reminds us of the awful responsibility we, the people, ask of our sons and daughters when we send them to war.
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